Orientation and New Student Retreat

New Student Retreat: Reflect, Build, Learn

We use the phrase "Orientation Over Time" to describe our approach to welcoming new students to our community. We see orientation as a series of activities and resources designed to help each student get the best possible start to his or her graduate school journey.

Our New Student Retreat is our signature orientation event. All incoming masters students attend the new student retreat, where they begin to develop academic and professional skills that are critical to their success during their time at Wagner and beyond.

A commitment to public service is at the core of NYU Wagner's mission. During the New Student Retreat, students reflect on their choice to attend graduate school in NYC and at NYU, discuss their motivations for pursuing public service careers, and refine their intentions for their time at Wagner.

Students build a diverse, and multi-dimensional community at the retreat, with access to faculty, administrators, and peers before the rush of classes begins. Students get their first glimpse at the many ways the NYU Wagner community will inspire them and support their academic, personal, and career growth.

Faculty facilitate modules designed to help students hone skills in case analysis, team work, and networking. Students learn more about what to expect inside and outside of the classroom and how to conduct themselves with integrity in the context of an academic and professional community. Students also begin to explore our "Composing Your Career" framework.

Join the tradition

Over the years, we have come to understand how critical the New Student Retreat is to each student's overall experience at Wagner and his/her readiness to start the program. The retreat is therefore required for all new masters students. All incoming fall-start students attend a two-day retreat in August in New York City. All incoming spring-start students attend an evening Welcome Reception and an all-day retreat in New York City on the Thursday/Friday before spring classes begin.

Acceptance of your offer of admission (via your enrollment deposit) indicates your intent to attend the retreat. Under rare and extreme circumstances, we will allow an incoming student who cannot attend the retreat to begin classes. Any incoming student who needs to request such an exemption must notify us immediately upon making an enrollment deposit.

For New Fall 2015 Students:

Please complete the New Student Retreat form (available May 1) so that we can prepare for the New Student Retreat

New Student Retreat Fall 2014

Orientation Over Time

In addition to the New Student Retreat, we offer the following activities and resources as a part of our "Orientation Over Time."

Faculty-Student Meet & Greet

The Faculty-Student Meet & Greet is a social event where all students can meet Wagner's stellar faculty members. Read more

It is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the people who will teach and guide you through your tenure here at NYU Wagner.

Thursday, September 10, 2015, 5-6:30pm. The RSVP link will be available on May 1.

Student Group Information Fair

Wagner hosts more than 20 student groups -- from issue-based to identity-based. The Information Fair is a key moment for you to learn more about our diverse set of student groups, and about the forums for academic, professional, and social development that they provide. Read more

The Fair includes representatives from student groups and research centers at Wagner, as well as information about various on-campus NYU-wide resources.

Thursday, September 3, 2015, 5-6:30pm. The RSVP link will be available on May 1.

International Student Orientation

The International Student Orientation is a required session where international students learn critical information about their degree program and time at NYU. Read more

The session is mandatory for all students on an F-1 or J-1 visa and covers resources available at the University and Wagner, immigration regulations, as well as advice from your fellow students. Thursday, August 20, 2015 10:30am - 12:30pm. The RSVP link will be available on May 1.

International Student Workshops

To provide a forum where you can discuss the cultural nuances of living and studying in the U.S., Wagner offers a five-week series designed to enhance the international student experience. Read more

In a casual atmosphere over lunch, students discuss topics such as: Introduction to studying at NYU and living in NYC; American-style Learning in the Classroom; Social Norms in the U.S.; U.S. Slang Words and Public Service Terms. The link to RSVP for the workshops will be available on May 1.